"It is incredibly disappointing to be ruled out of the tour through injury," the 24-year-old said.

Warburton at a glance

Born:
5 October, 1988

Height:
6ft 2in

Weight:
103kg

Position:
Flanker

International career:
Led Wales to Six Nations glory in 2012, then was restored as captain for the deciding victory against England in March that secured this year's title. Suffered disappointment in the 2011 World Cup when he was sent off in the 18th minute of the semi-final defeat against France

If selected, Brian O'Driscoll is likely to captain the side in what would be his ninth and final Lions Test.

Either Ireland's Sean O'Brien or fellow Welshman Justin Tipuric is likely to replace Warburton in the starting XV.

Despite the strength in depth they have at open-side, it is a major blow to the Lions' chance of a first series win in 16 years.

Warburton, who will remain with the squad for the rest of the tour, played a key role in the Lions gaining ascendancy at the breakdown in Saturday's second Test defeat in Melbourne.

Head coach Warren Gatland acknowledged the impact of his captain's departure 13 minutes from time, leaving him without a specialist open-side with O'Brien already on at number eight.

"I wish the team all the best and hope I can play some part in the build-up this week. I am confident the boys can finish the job off and secure the series win," said Warburton, who also missed the first two matches with a knee injury.

Gatland will now need to consider the balance of his back row for the finale, among a host of other selection decisions.

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Australia v Lions: Warren Gatland blames 'critical turnovers'

The combination of Dan Lydiate and Warburton worked well in Melbourne and Tipuric would be the most direct replacement as the other specialist open-side in the squad.

But O'Brien, more of a ball-carrier than a breakdown forager in the Warburton mould, also offers a potent option.

Gatland is also weighing up potential changes at loose-head prop, where Alex Corbisiero is likely to return after a calf strain, at scrum-half with Mike Phillips fit again, and at centre, where Jamie Roberts - if he proves his recovery from a hamstring injury - and Manu Tuilagi offer alternative options.

The positions of hooker, lock and number eight could also come under scrutiny as Gatland and his coaches contemplate the side they will send out with the task of winning a first Lions series since 1997.

O'Driscoll, 34, has led the Lions on seven previous occasions, but only once before in a Test - the
infamous opener in New Zealand in 2005
when his involvement controversially ended inside the first minute after a double spear tackle.

Comments

Well pleased with the changes - BOD has done nothing in the two tests. Without doubt Roberts?Davies is the best centre partnership. I was wondering what Faletau had to do to get in the test 23 - now he has his chance.

I don't care what team is picked as long as we win. I know who I want to see in the 23, but we'll see. One main area to improve on is the use and timings of the subs, WG seems too regimented rather than reading the situation in hand.

@1052. Patrick Thistle. I'm no Scot! I'm a poor Aussie condemned by his work to live in England and as such endure turgid Scottish, English, Welsh and Irish rugby. Got to pay Sky £60/month to watch any decent stuff (S15). Only consolation is it's very amusing watching you lot bicker among yourselves trying to do each others players down.

@1056 makeworkpayFinal penalty which was kicked for goal was awarded at 80:45. Only alternative was to tap & go (or scrum I suppose!) and get up the pitch in search of another penalty nearer the posts.

@ 1054.who_dat Re captain, we'll see. IMHO only real leader is BOD. AWJ great, but has his own job to do as pack leader.. Absolutely agree BOD has not been at his best, but we have had so little ball......

1053 - Agree. One day Launchbury may be as good as AWJ, and if he is then he will be a damn fine player. That day is not yet.

Hopefully Lancaster is looking at some of this series and drawing the conclusion that the front five must be able to scrummage and compete to enable you to play. In the Wales match their back row was outstanding but the front five won it for them.

As an Englishman it pains me to say it but AWJ has been absolutely incredible this tour. I have not watched him consistantly before but I can see whan my Welsh friends see in him now - fantastic player.

@ 1047.Jose Jones 'I would just like to draw everyones attention to the comment of 966 LordB.SW did not elect for the posts, he had already left the field injured. Please do watch the game if you think I am making this up.This is my last contribution to this board.'Good! As you did clearly NOT watch the game. That decision was made in the 1st half!

@ 1046.NovaRomaUnfortunately POC isn't there. AWJ will be massively important on Sat, and is great. But we do not have the strength in depth after that. Posts on here vary between Parling, Evans and Gray - no clear choice. We didn't even have cover last Sat - no faith! That's why I think we need TC next Sat as 6 as line-out support.

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